Historical Masquerade

Video

Videography provided by Eric Cannon of Rare Recorded Videos. Please email rrvorders@yahoo.com for more information and ordering.

Photos

CC42 Official Photography provided by Underhill Imagery. Photos require 3-6 weeks processing time and are estimated to be available late April/early May.

Contact Info

Questions about the Historical Masquerade can be sent to the Director, Rebecca Rowan, at historical@costumecon42.org.

About the Historical Masquerade

The Costume-Con 42 Historical Masquerade is a staged show where costume entries are presented before an audience and a panel of judges. These presentations may take the form of fashion walks or brief theatrical vignettes. The judges deliberate and then announce awards for the winning entries. Awards may be made for a variety of criteria. The Historical Masquerade will take place on Sunday, March 31, 2024.

Costume-Con 42’s Historical Masquerade will showcase historical replica costumes beginning in 1989 CE and stretching all the way back to antiquity. Costumes may be original designs, or re-creations — of an extant costume, clothing, or accessory, or one represented in one of the visual arts. There are several ways in which historical competition may be different from a masquerade or cosplay contest presented at science fiction, fantasy, anime, and other media‐focused conventions. All entries in a historical competition are expected to have a basis in period costume or design; documentation that supports an entry’s historical origin is encouraged.

Questions about the Historical Masquerade can be sent to the Director, Rebecca Rowan

Please visit the Costume-Con Visual Gallery to browse photos from past Costume-Con Historical Masquerades.

Competition Categories & Time Periods

“Historical” Cutoff — 1989 — 35 years in the past from Costume-Con 42

Historical Recreation — Historical Dress — Hollywood Historical — Hysterical Historical

Skill divisions will also be used per ICG guidelines. More info on each category documentation, awards, and ICG guidelines below.

Safety & Security Policies

All entrants must possess a CC42 Membership valid for March 31, 2024 to participate.
All entrants must abide by the CC42 and Shiny Garden Convention Policies while on convention premises. costumecon42.org/policies
Costumes and props must abide by all facility regulations, as well as local and federal laws.
Costumes may not contain or display elements that disparage, harass, or attack any person, gender, gender presentation, pronoun choice, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity, national origin, language, culture, religion, age, or affiliation.
Costumes may not represent any national or international tragedies.
Costumes must adhere to local decency laws. In practical terms, this means “bikini areas” must be covered at all times for all genders. Footwear is required on convention premises.
No real weapons (including but not limited to firearms), even if you have a permit or a license, are permitted on convention premises. No live steel (aka blades of metal that can take an edge), projectiles, or realistic-appearing firearms. No liquids, aerosols, silly string, or projectile foam. AND NO PEANUT BUTTER.
Props resembling futuristic or fantasy weapons, boffers, or oversize objects are allowed provided they are not handled in a careless, threatening, or destructive manner against persons or property.

Failure to comply with these policies and/or the instructions of staff or security personnel may result in immediate removal from the convention without refund.

Photo & AV Policy

By entering the event premises, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, web casts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by Shiny Garden and its affiliates and representatives. Images, photos and/or videos may be used to promote similar Shiny Garden events in the future, highlight the event and exhibit the capabilities of Shiny Garden.

By registering for the event, you release Shiny Garden, its officers and employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication and use of interviews, photographs, computer images, video and/or sound recordings. By entering the event premises, you waive all rights you may have to any claims for payment of royalties in connection with any use, exhibition, streaming, webcasting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such use, exhibiting, broadcasting, webcasting, or other publication irrespective of whether a fee for admission or sponsorship is charged. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by Shiny Garden or the person or entity designated to do so by Shiny Garden.

Preregistration

All contestants must be members of Costume-Con 42. If the maker and presenter are different people, both must be at least supporting members even if the maker is not present.

Registration for the Historical Masquerade will open November 1, 2023 and remain open until 2pm the day of the Historical Masquerade.

At-Con Check-In & Tech Rehearsal

All entries (or a representative) must confirm their intent to participate in the Masquerade, review their registration (including pronunciation and presentation audio), and receive additional instructions for participation. Entries may also take advantage of a walkthrough & tech rehearsal in Main Events on a first-come, first served basis. We recommend bringing your costume’s footwear to rehearsal.

Presentation, Audio & Stage Direction

Your presentation may be up to 60 seconds in length. Microphones will not be available for entrants’ use. We strongly encourage entrants to supply pre-recorded audio, including dialogue, sound effects, and/or music. Preferred format is a single-track MP3, edited for your presentation. All prerecorded audio will be screened. If you do not have your own audio or need assistance with recording or editing, please reach out!

Volunteer stagehands will be available to guide you on and off the stage safely, and we encourage entries to engage their own handlers. Be sure to include them in your preregistration to ensure staging area access. Costumers with limited-visibility, bulky, or any costume that might impede mobility should contact the Masquerade Director in advance to discuss accommodations.

Please coordinate with stagehands or handlers for placing and removing large prop or set pieces.

Historical Masquerade Competition Categories

Historical Recreation:

A Historical Recreation is based on an existing garment, statue, painting, description, or illustration from the time period of the garment. The goal of a Historic Recreation is to re-make a costume that existed in the historical time period (1989 CE or earlier). Period-appropriate crafting techniques and materials are encouraged.

A Historical Recreation is an endeavor of faithfully recreating clothing or costumes from a specific moment in history. It draws its inspiration from existing garments, statues, paintings, descriptions, or illustrations that originated in the time period of the desired attire. The ultimate goal of a Historical Recreation is to pay homage to the past by meticulously reimagining a costume that authentically existed during the chosen historical era, which, for Costume-Con 42, encompasses the period up until 1989 CE.

When embarking on a Historical Recreation project, the focus lies not only on the aesthetic aspects of the costume but also on the adherence to period-accurate crafting techniques and materials. This dedication to historical authenticity helps transport both the wearer and the observer back in time, allowing them to experience and appreciate the intricacies and nuances of fashion from bygone eras.

To successfully recreate a historical garment, extensive research and meticulous attention to detail are essential. This involves delving into historical archives, examining primary sources, and studying depictions of clothing and accessories from the desired time period. By carefully analyzing these resources, costume enthusiasts and historians gain invaluable insights into the materials, colors, patterns, and silhouettes that characterized fashion trends of yesteryears.

A Historical Recreation project requires skilled craftsmanship and a deep understanding of the historical context. Seamstresses, tailors, and artisans endeavor to replicate the original designs while embracing the cultural, social, and technological influences that prevailed during the era in question. This fusion of artistic expertise and historical knowledge breathes new life into centuries-old fashion, inviting us to appreciate the legacy of our ancestors and the stories embodied by their attire.

In conclusion, a Historical Recreation offers a captivating glimpse into the sartorial splendor of the past. It celebrates our rich cultural heritage, encourages exploration of historical craftsmanship, and ignites our imagination as we delve into the world of fashion through the ages. So, if you have an affinity for history and a passion for fashion, embark on a journey to recreate a historical garment and relish the experience of bringing the past back to life.

Examples:

A recreation of the dress in the painting “Marie Antoinette in Court Dress” by Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, 1778 CE
A recreation of clothing and jewelry on the statue “Egyptian woman in a kalasiris,” Middle Kingdom Dynasty, early reign of Amenemhat I
A recreation of the pink satin Christian Dior ball gown worn by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, White House, 1962 CE
A recreation of the Egtved Girl’s outfit, Bronze Age Northern Europe, 1370 BC.

Historical Dress

A costume that is intended to look like it came from a particular period of history, but is not explicitly extant in the historical record. This includes original costumes meant to look as if they were designed and made in a particular period. It is acceptable to use modern approximates for period materials for reasons of availability, cost, or safety; these approximations should be noted in documentation.

Historical costumes, also known as period costumes, are not only popular in movies and theatrical productions but also in various events and parties where people engage in historical reenactments or simply embrace the charm of different time periods.

When creating a historical costume, the aim is to capture the essence and style of a specific era, even if the actual clothing from that time might not exist anymore. This means that costume designers often rely on their knowledge of historical fashion, artistic interpretation, and available resources to recreate the look and feel of a particular period.

While authenticity is valued, it is also important to consider practical aspects such as the availability, cost, and safety of materials. For instance, using modern substitutes for historical fabrics or trims is sometimes necessary to bring a costume to life. These choices, however, should be properly documented to maintain transparency regarding the accuracy of the overall design.

The art of historical costuming allows individuals to immerse themselves in different epochs, showcasing the fashion trends, craftsmanship, and societal norms of the past. Whether it’s a meticulously recreated outfit from the Renaissance, a dapper ensemble from the Roaring Twenties, or the elegant attire of the Victorian era, historical costumes offer a fascinating way to explore and celebrate our rich cultural heritage.

Hollywood Historical

These are recreations of Hollywood costumes from the big and little screens, meant to interpret a historical garment. It does not matter when the production was released, but the representing time period of the production must be within the 1989 CE period limitation.

Each Hollywood Historical entry is meticulously crafted to pay homage to the original screen design, while considering the techniques and materials used during the time the costume was filmed.

Examples: Elizabeth Taylor’s Cleopatra, various presentations of Pride & Prejudice, or Netflix’s Stranger Things.

Hysterical Historical

Humorous interpretation of historical dress or events, such as comedy mashups between modern concepts/media and historical costume, and/or a costume that intentionally and visibly departs from the period on which it is based. It ought to be obvious to the viewer that this costume was not intended to be totally authentic. If the judges have to ask what makes your costume hysterical, it probably belongs in Historical Dress. The distinction between these two categories is based on the costume’s intent, not its execution.

When it comes to historical dress and events, there’s always room for a touch of humor and creativity. Imagine a delightful blend of modern concepts and historical costume, resulting in comedy mashups that tickle the funny bone. This particular category embraces the idea of intentionally deviating from strict authenticity, allowing costumes to take on a whimsical and exaggerated charm.

Picture this: participants don costumes that seamlessly blend different eras or create an amusing fusion of historical elements with modern media references. Whether it’s a Renaissance noble adorned with a flamboyant Elizabethan ruff while proudly brandishing a smartphone, or a gallant knight wearing a suit of armor adorned with comical pop culture icons, the aim here is to elicit laughter and evoke a sense of joyful anachronism.

The key aspect lies in conveying a clear and unmistakable intention to amuse. Judges and onlookers should immediately grasp the humorous nature of the costume without any explanation. After all, if the judges have to inquire about what makes the costume hysterical, then it may be better suited for the Historical Dress category.

It’s essential to keep in mind that the dividing line between these two categories rests primarily on the costume’s intent rather than its execution. What matters most is that the costume exudes an unmistakable aura of lightheartedness, providing a delightful departure from the conventional representations of historical attire.

So, let your imagination run wild and free, and let the laughter flow as you create whimsical and hilarious renditions of historical dress and events. Turn history on its head with a humorous twist, and watch as your costume becomes a showstopper, leaving everyone with a smile and a shared moment of mirth and enjoyment.

Remember: authenticity may take a back seat here, but the priceless gift of laughter will be more than worth it!

Here are a few more examples of humorous interpretations of historical dress or events:

Cosplay Time Travel: Imagine dressing up as a medieval knight, wielding a lightsaber instead of a sword, and confidently proclaiming, “May the chivalry be with you!” It’s a mashup of two completely different eras that’s bound to get a smile from anyone who sees it.
Dancing Queen in Versailles: Picture yourself attending a royal ball at the Palace of Versailles, wearing a majestic 18th-century gown adorned with extravagant feathers and jewels. But suddenly, part of your gown reveals a mirrored pattern, and you break into a disco dance routine to the tune of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. It’s a hilarious contrast of elegant courtly fashion and funky disco vibes.
The Pirate Chef: Ahoy, matey! Combine the ruggedness of a pirate with the culinary skills of a master chef. Don a pirate’s outfit complete with a tricorn hat, an eye patch, and a peg leg. But instead of brandishing a cutlass, carry a spatula and a frying pan. Prepare to serve up some swashbuckling cuisine that is sure to impress landlubbers and sea dogs alike.
Glam Rock Gladiator: Transform the fierce and stoic image of a Roman gladiator into a flamboyant and glam rock-inspired costume. Replace the traditional armor with a sparkling sequined tunic and embellished shoulder pads. Complete the look with platform boots and a guitar. Get ready to rock the Colosseum with your epic tunes and killer moves.

Remember, the goal is to create a humorous twist on historical dress or events, making it obvious to everyone that your costume is intended to be entertaining rather than historically accurate. So let your creativity run wild and have fun with it!

Entries in all categories are eligible for Best in Class and Best in Show.

If you are not sure your costume idea fits into any of these categories, or if you are concerned it may not be appropriate for the Historical Masquerade, please ask the Director!

Documentation

Documentation can be an important facet of historical costuming work. Documentation is reference material (physical or electronic) that the costumer provides to judges that explain aspects of their entry which may not be immediately apparent on visual inspection. Most often required for re-creation costumes, documentation serves as a visual reference to an existing artwork or garment.

Documentation may be as simple as photos or artwork that illustrate the source of the costume design, whether for re-creation or as inspiration. Documentation may also demonstrate the research done while designing/creating/assembling the costume, or to explain the techniques used in its creation.

Documentation will be collected and judged closer to the convention, please refer back to this page for updated dates and times.

Skill Divisions, Judging & Award Structure

Competition with one’s peers is the cornerstone of fairness. Entrants are divided into competition Skill Divisions to ensure that both beginning and experienced costumers have a reasonably equal chance to win awards. Skill Divisions are explored in more detail in the ICG Guidelines, accessible here for your convenience.

Skill Divisions

The Youth Division is a non-competitive division for attendees 12 years old and younger who participate in the design and construction of their own costumes. The Youth Division typically opens the show!
The Novice Division exists to encourage people who are new to costuming and masquerades to compete. This might be your first masquerade; this might be your 5-6th and you’ve won 1 or 2 awards in Novice. You might have between 0-5 years of experience costuming, depending on how you craft.
The Journeyman Division is for costumers who may have won awards in the Novice Division, but who feel they are not yet ready to compete in the Master Division. You may have mastered (a few of) the basics (or dabbled in many!), developing your style and strengths, and may have more costumes or competition under your belt (the one you made, hehehehe).
The Master Division is open to any costumer who wishes to enter. Experienced costumers may seek new challenges in this Division or deeply dive into their favored skillset! Stage, film, and dance costuming professionals who hold membership in a union or guild are welcome in this Division only.

If you need more guidance regarding your Skill Division, please contact the Director

Exhibition entries are not judged for either presentation or workmanship, nor are they eligible for any award. They must still adhere to all masquerade guidelines. Exceptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis at the Director’s discretion.

Judging: Workmanship and documentation judging times will be scheduled in early 2024.

Green Room, Official Photography, and Call Time

Participation in the masquerade can require a commitment of more than four (4) hours including check-in, rehearsal, judging, queuing, photography, performance, and awards. Water, snacks, and repair tools will be available. You’ll be assigned to a “den” where a “parent” will be available to assist you and coordinate visits with the official photographer, judges, and MCs as necessary.

Dates and times for Green Room and Call Time are forthcoming.

While we will do our best to create a safe space, the green room is NOT a secure location; leave belongings AT YOUR OWN RISK. CC42 is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Costume-Con 42 Contacts

Questions about the Historical Masquerade can be sent to the Director, Rebecca Rowan, at historical@costumecon42.org.